In article , "Carl R. Stevenson"
writes:

"N2EY" wrote in message
...

My point is simply this: When someone or some group challenges the
*written*
tests - particularly the parts beyond the regulations and safety - how are
we
going to defend them from a regulatory point of view? Particularly if they
use
the exact same arguments as used against the Morse test?

Simple ... the FCC has determined that the ARS is "primarily a technical
service."

OK, fine!

Now what, exactly, does "primarily a technical service" mean wrt testing? You
and I agree that it means hams should know more than "turn the left knob to 6".
But to someone else it could mean that the tests should only be about the most
basic concepts, and that hams should be free to learn as the need arises.

And remember that what seems basic and simple to engineering types like us can
be advanced and complex to other folks.

Additionally, the ITU Radio Regs require administrations to
determine the technical qualifications of applicants for amateur licenses
and there is an ITU-R Recommendation (M.1544) that outlines the
theoretical knowledge that amateurs should have ... yes it is not strictly
mandatory, but the US and most other administrations do generally
follow the guidance given by ITU Recommendations, even ones that
are not strictly mandatory.

That language leaves M-1544 wide open to an enormous variety of
interpretations. And there's a world of difference between "theoretical
knowledge that amateurs should know" and "subjects that must be tested".

You and I and many others will say "Those written tests are relevant and
reasonable". But how can we *prove* it?

By citing the facts above ...

I hope you are right about that. But any lawyer will tell you that it's all
about interpretations. Like that phrase "pool of trained operators".

Before restructuring, it took 5 written tests totalling 190 questions to
get
full privileges. Now it takes 3 writtens totalling 120 questions. Did we
lose
anything by that change?

There was some consolidation of testing as a result of the smaller number
of classes. I don't see that as a big deal.

OK, fine. Now suppose somebody pushes 2 classes and a total of 60 questions. Or
free upgrades for already licensed hams.

As Ed Hare said over dinner when he was down here last ... he remembers
the 3 page study guide he had to work from when he first got on the air.

That study guide shrinks every time Ed tells that story.

What he doesn't tell you is:

- The study guide was for the old Novice, with its extreme restrictions

- He did not count the pages of regulations in the back of the book that were
also required.

- The study guide was simply a guide to what you should expect to be on the
test, not a complete training manual, nor a complete copy of every possible
test question and answer

- That it's not the size of the book but the level of information in it.

- That Ed had quite a bit of radio background before he ever picked up the
guide.

Now "Now you're talking" is well over 200 pages of material for folks to
study and absorb ... how this is "dumbing down" is beyond me.

Simple - the 200 page book is a complete step-by-step guide to all aspects of
ham radio for the newbie, and includes detailed explanations of every single
question in the pool. The study guide was simply an indicator of what would be
on the test.

A more accurate comparison would be to compare "Now You're Talking" with "How
to Become a Radio Amateur" or "Understanding Amateur Radio".

Can we put this one to bed now?

Let's talk actual examples.

How about this idea, if/when code testing is dropped:

1) Tech is replaced by a new entry level license that (call it "Communicator")

2) Communicator allows most of General CW/data and about half of General voice
bands on HF, plus lots of VHF/UHF

3) Communicator power level is below RF exposure limit (100W below 24 MHz, 50 W
above) and there are no RF exposure or safety questions on the test.

4) No regulations questions on the Communicator test - instead, new
Communicators have to sign a statement that they have provided themselves with
a copy of Part 97 and have read and understood the applicable regs for their
license.

5) All existing Novices are reclassed as Communicators, all existing Techs,
regardless of vintage, get free upgrade to General, all existing Advanceds get
free upgrade to Extra.

6) Present Novice subbands - all of them - become more voice/image space.

I'm not the one proposing this.

73 de Jim, N2EY